Skip to main content
Zone 3A — May

What to Plant in May in Zone 3A

May in Zone 3A: 18 crops to start indoors, 387 to plant or direct sow outside, and 2 entering harvest window. Last frost averages May 22. Reference city: Tower, MN.
Updated August 12, 2026 · Frost data from NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
18 Start Indoors
387 Plant Outside
2 Harvest
Frost window: Active

This is when frost can still happen in Zone 3A. The last spring frost typically lands on May 22, with a 10% chance of frost as late as June 7. Plan transplants with this window in mind.

See full Zone 3A frost outlook

Start Indoors in May

Plant Type Start Indoors Transplant Outside Harvest Window
Bitter melons vegetable May 8 Jun 5 Aug 19 – Sep 3
Black Beauty Zucchini squash May 5 Jun 2 Jul 17 – Jul 27
Broccolini brassica May 1 Jun 5 Jul 25 – Aug 4
Clemson Spineless Okra vegetable May 1 Jun 5 Jul 30 – Aug 8
Cosmos flower May 1 Jun 5 Aug 14 – Sep 3
Crimson Sweet Watermelon melon May 8 Jun 5 Aug 24 – Sep 3
Early White Bush Scallop Pattypan Squash squash May 8 Jun 5 Jul 22 – Jul 30
French Marigold flower May 1 Jun 5 Jul 25 – Aug 4
Hale's Best Jumbo Cantaloupe melon May 8 Jun 5 Aug 24 – Sep 3
Lemon Cucumber cucumber May 15 Jun 5 Aug 4 – Aug 14
Marketmore 76 Cucumber cucumber May 8 Jun 5 Aug 2 – Aug 12
National Pickling Cucumber cucumber May 15 Jun 5 Jul 25 – Aug 2
Snow Crown Cauliflower brassica May 1 Jun 5 Jul 25 – Aug 4
Sugar Baby Watermelon melon May 8 Jun 5 Aug 19 – Aug 24
Tri-X 313 Seedless Watermelon melon May 1 Jun 5 Aug 9 – Aug 19
Waltham 29 Broccoli brassica May 1 Jun 5 Aug 19 – Sep 3
Yellow Crookneck Squash squash May 8 Jun 5 Jul 25 – Aug 4
Zinnia flower May 1 Jun 5 Aug 4 – Sep 3

Plant Outside in May

Plant Type Action Target Date Harvest Window
Adams Elderberry berry Plant Out May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Adirondack Blue Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Aug 24
Alaska Early Pea legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 25
Alaska Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 16 – Jul 26
Alexandria Alpine Strawberry berry Transplant May 29 Perennial — see plant page
Alfalfa Cover Crop cover crop Direct Sow May 15 Perennial — see plant page
All Season Cabbage brassica Transplant May 8 Jul 17 – Jul 27
All Year Round Cauliflower brassica Transplant May 8 Jul 12
All Year Round Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 28 – Aug 6
America Spinach lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 7 – Jul 19
Angelica herb Transplant May 22 Aug 10 – Aug 20
Anise hyssop leaves and flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Armenian Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Ashley Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23 – Jul 28
Astro Arugula lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jun 15 – Jul 4
Baby Blue Eyes Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 21 – Aug 20
Baby Cakes Blackberry berry Plant Out May 29 Perennial — see plant page
Baby's Breath Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 6 – Jul 21
Bachelor's button edible flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 21 – Aug 10
Basil Herb Mix herb Transplant May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 17
Beauty Pink Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jun 24
Beauty Purple Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jun 23 – Jun 28
Beauty White Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jun 28 – Jul 8
Bee Balm flower Plant Out May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Beit Alpha Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 18 – Aug 2
Berry Blue honeyberry shrubs berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens microgreen Plant Out May 22 May 29 – Jun 3
Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 10
Black-Eyed Pea legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 2 – Aug 7
Black-Eyed Susan flower Plant Out May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Blazing Star Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Blonde de Paris Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 24
Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 16
Blue Curled Scotch Kale lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 24
Blue Lake Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 18 – Jul 26
Blue Lake Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 3 – Aug 12
Bluecrop Blueberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Bluegold Blueberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Blueray Blueberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Bok Choy lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 24
Borage flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 16 – Aug 5
Borlotti Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23 – Aug 2
Boston Pickling Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 18 – Jul 23
Bouquet Dill herb Direct Sow May 8 Jun 27 – Jul 12
Broad Windsor Fava Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 17
Broadleaf Classic Endive lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 24
Broadleaf Full Heart Batavian Endive lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Aug 18 – Aug 23
Broadleaf Sorrel lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Perennial — see plant page
Brunswick Cabbage brassica Transplant May 8 Aug 6
Brunswick Lowbush Blueberry berry Plant Out May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Buckwheat cover crop Direct Sow May 22 Jun 21 – Jul 6
Burgess Buttercup Winter Squash squash Direct Sow May 29 Sep 1
Burgundy Boston Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Bush Pickle Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 13 – Jul 21
Buttercrunch Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 10 – Jul 19
Butterhead Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 29
Calabrese Broccoli brassica Transplant May 8 Jul 12
California Bluebell flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 16 – Jul 26
California Giant Mix Zinnia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Calypso Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 7 – Aug 27
Calypso Cilantro herb Direct Sow May 22 Jul 11 – Jul 16
Canary Bird Zinnia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Canary Yellow Swiss Chard lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 24
Cascadia Sugar Snap Pea legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28
Caserta Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 29 Aug 2
Catalogna Chicory lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19
Catmint herb Transplant May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Catnip Herb herb Direct Sow May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Champion Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jun 23 – Jun 28
Chandler Blueberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Charleston Wakefield Cabbage brassica Transplant May 1 Jul 10
Cherokee Trail of Tears Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 2 – Aug 27
Cherry Belle Radish root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jun 23
Cherry Queen Zinnia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Chervil herb Direct Sow May 1 Jun 5 – Jun 15
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) brassica Direct Sow May 25 Jun 24 – Jul 14
Chinese Snake Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Aug 12
Chioggia Beet root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23
Chives herb Plant Out May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Christmas Lima Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 21 – Aug 27
Cinnamon Basil herb Transplant May 29 Aug 2 – Aug 17
Classic Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 29 Aug 17 – Aug 22
Cocozelle Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 29 Jul 26
Contender Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 13 – Jul 23
Copenhagen Cabbage brassica Transplant May 8 Jul 12
Cosmic Purple Carrot root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jul 26 – Aug 12
Cosmos Sensations Mix Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Aug 5 – Aug 20
County Fair Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 18 – Jul 20
Crackerjack Mix Marigolds flower Transplant May 22 Jul 21 – Aug 5
Crego Mix Aster Flowers flower Transplant May 29 Aug 17 – Aug 27
Crimson Clover cover crop Direct Sow May 22 Jul 21 – Aug 20
Crisphead Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Aug 1 – Aug 8
Curly Kale lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 29
Dandelion herb Direct Sow May 1 Perennial — see plant page
Danvers Carrot root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Aug 7 – Aug 17
Dark Green Romaine Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 3
Dark Green Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 29 Jul 18
Delicatesse Blue Kohlrabi brassica Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 24
Delicatesse White Kohlrabi brassica Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 24
Detroit Dark Red Beet root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28
Di Cicco Broccoli brassica Transplant May 8 Jun 22 – Jun 25
Dill herb Direct Sow May 22 Jul 1 – Jul 16
Diva Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 26
Dragon Tongue Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23 – Jul 28
Dukat Dill herb Direct Sow May 8 Jun 17 – Jun 27
Duke Blueberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Dutch Lamb's Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 4 – Jul 14
Dwarf Jewel Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 11 – Jul 21
Dwarf Siberian Kale lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage brassica Transplant May 1 Jul 5 – Jul 15
Early Purple Broccoli brassica Transplant May 8 Jul 12
Easter Egg Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jun 26 – Jun 30
Echinacea flower Plant Out May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Edamame legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 12 – Sep 1
Eight Ball Zucchini squash Direct Sow May 29 Jul 13 – Jul 23
Elliott Blueberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Empress of India Nasturtium Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 16 – Jul 26
Endive / Escarole lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 29
Epazote herb Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23 – Aug 2
Everbearing Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28
Evergreen Parsley herb Direct Sow May 8 Jul 17 – Aug 1
Fairy Dwarf Mix Candytuft Flowers flower Direct Sow May 15 Jun 29 – Jul 9
Fenugreek herb Direct Sow May 8 Jun 12 – Jun 27
Florida Broadleaf Mustard lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 4 – Jul 14
Fordhook Giant Swiss Chard lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 19
Fort Laramie Strawberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Fortex Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 7
French Breakfast Radish root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jun 19
French Fingerling Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Aug 30
French Lamb's Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 4 – Jul 14
French Tarragon herb Plant Out May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Garlic Chives herb Plant Out May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Georgia Southern Collard Greens lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Aug 3 – Aug 18
German Chamomile herb Direct Sow May 22 Jul 21 – Jul 26
Giant Maximum Mix Snapdragon Flowers flower Transplant May 22 Aug 10 – Aug 25
Giant Red Mustard lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9
Globe Gilia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 21 – Aug 10
Glorious Gleam Nasturtium Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 16 – Jul 31
Glory of Enkhuizen Cabbage brassica Transplant May 8 Aug 6
Gold Rush Zucchini squash Direct Sow May 29 Jul 13 – Jul 18
Golden Acre Cabbage brassica Transplant May 8 Jul 12
Golden Beet root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23 – Aug 2
Golden Bush Scallop Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 29 Aug 2
Golden Wax Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 18 – Jul 28
Greek Basil herb Transplant May 29 Aug 2 – Aug 12
Green Arrow Pea legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 2 – Aug 7
Green Fingers Persian Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23 – Jul 28
Green Ice Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9
Green Marrow Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 29 Aug 22
Green Mountain Celtuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14
Green Purslane vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jul 3 – Jul 18
Green shiso leaves herb Transplant May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Green Wave Mustard lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9
H-19 Little Leaf Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 25 – Jul 30
Hailstone Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jun 28
Hairy vetch cover crop stands cover crop Direct Sow May 22 Jul 21 – Aug 20
Hard Red Wheat Cover Crop cover crop Direct Sow May 1 Jul 15 – Aug 4
Harvester Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 18 – Jul 23
Henderson Bush Lima Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 29 – Aug 7
Herb Fennel herb Direct Sow May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Heritage Raspberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Homemade Pickles Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28
Honeoye Strawberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Honeycrisp apple trees berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Horseradish vegetable Plant Out May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Hot Pink Swiss Chard lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 24
Iceberg Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Aug 1 – Aug 8
Igloo Cauliflower brassica Transplant May 8 Jul 12 – Jul 17
Indian Spring Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Sep 19 – Nov 18
Invicta gooseberry shrubs berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Isis Candy Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 29 Aug 7 – Aug 17
Italian Large Leaf Basil herb Transplant May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 12
Jacob's Cattle beans legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 20 – Aug 27
Jade Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23 – Jul 28
Jersey Blueberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Jersey Knight Asparagus vegetable Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Kagraner Sommer Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 22
Kellogg's Breakfast tomatoes tomato Transplant May 29 Aug 12 – Aug 22
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 2
King of the Garden Pole Lima Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 25 – Sep 1
Lacinato Kale lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Jul 29
Lacy Phacelia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 6 – Jul 21
Lanceleaf Coreopsis Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Landreth Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 18 – Jul 23
Large Leaf Sorrel lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Perennial — see plant page
Leaf Lettuce Mix lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 19
Lebanese White Bush Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 29 Jul 18
Lemon Balm herb Plant Out May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Lettuce Leaf Basil herb Transplant May 29 Aug 2 – Aug 17
Licorice Basil herb Transplant May 29 Aug 2 – Aug 17
Lima Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 17
Lime Basil herb Transplant May 29 Aug 2 – Aug 12
Little Gem Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 20
Little Marvel Pea legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Jul 31
Lollo Bionda Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 24
Lollo Rossa Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 17 – Jul 20
Lovage Herb herb Direct Sow May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Love-in-a-Mist Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 26 – Jul 31
Luminosa Zinnia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Magenta Sunset Swiss Chard lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 24
Mammoth Dill herb Direct Sow May 8 Jun 22 – Jul 12
Mammoth Melting Sugar Snow Pea legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 5 – Aug 12
Mammoth Sandwich Island Salsify root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Sep 26
Mammoth Sunflower flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 26 – Aug 10
Marion Blackberry berry Plant Out May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Marketer Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23
Marvel of Four Seasons Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 24
Mary Washington Asparagus vegetable Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Matador Viking Spinach lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 12
Matt's Wild Cherry Tomatoes tomato Transplant May 29 Jul 23 – Aug 2
Maxibel Filet Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 18 – Jul 28
Maximilian Sunflowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Medium Red Clover Cover Crop cover crop Direct Sow May 8 Jul 7 – Jul 22
Mesclun Mix lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jun 15 – Jun 24
Michihili Cabbage brassica Transplant May 1 Jul 10
Millennium Asparagus vegetable Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Minowase Daikon Radish root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jul 13 – Jul 23
Mizuna lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 4 – Jul 14
Monstrueux de Viroflay Spinach lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 14
Morris Heading Collard lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Aug 8 – Aug 13
Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil herb Transplant May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Mugwort herb Direct Sow May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Muncher Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Mustard Greens lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jun 29 – Jul 14
Mâche (Corn Salad) lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 17
Nantes Carrot root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jul 30 – Aug 12
Napa Cabbage brassica Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 3
Nasturtium flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 11 – Jul 26
New England Aster Flowers flower Direct Sow May 15 Perennial — see plant page
New Zealand Spinach lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 24
Noble Giant Spinach lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 10 – Jul 14
Nodding Catchfly Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 21 – Aug 20
Northblue Blueberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Northland Blueberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Old Fashion Mustard lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 14
Orange King Zinnia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Orange Sulphur Cosmos Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 16 – Jul 31
Orange Swiss Chard lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 19
Oregon Giant Snow Pea legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28
Oregon Sugar Pod Snow Pea legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 5
Orion Florence Fennel vegetable Transplant May 29 Aug 17 – Aug 27
Ox-Eye Daisy Flowers flower Transplant May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Ozark Beauty Strawberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Patriot Blueberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Paul Robeson tomatoes tomato Transplant May 29 Aug 7 – Aug 22
Peach Melba Nasturtium Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 11 – Jul 21
Peppermint herb Plant Out May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Petch Siam Thai Eggplant vegetable Plant Out May 22 Jul 23
Phacelia cover crop and bee forage cover crop Direct Sow May 22 Jul 6 – Jul 21
Pineapple Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 29 Aug 7 – Aug 17
Pinkeye Purple Hull Cowpea legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Plains Coreopsis flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 21 – Jul 31
Polar Bear Zinnia Flowers flower Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Poona Kheera Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23 – Aug 2
Powderpuff Aster Flowers flower Transplant May 29 Aug 12 – Aug 22
Premier Kale lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 24
Prizewinner Runner Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 12 – Aug 19
Progress No. 9 Shelling Pea legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 26 – Jul 30
Provider Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 18 – Jul 23
Purple Passion Asparagus vegetable Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Purple Plum Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jun 26 – Jun 28
Purple Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 29 Aug 12 – Aug 22
Purple Top White Globe Turnip root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jul 18
Pápalo leaves herb Direct Sow May 22 Jul 31 – Aug 10
Queen Anne's Lace Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 26 – Aug 5
Quinault Strawberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Radicchio lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 18
Rainbow Mix Swiss Chard lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 24
Rambo Radish Microgreens microgreen Plant Out May 22 Jun 1 – Jun 6
Rapeseed Cover Crop cover crop Direct Sow May 8 Jun 22 – Jul 17
Rapini Broccoli Raab brassica Direct Sow May 25 Jul 29
Raspberry Shortcake berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Rattlesnake Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 7
Red Acre Cabbage brassica Transplant May 1 Jul 15 – Jul 20
Red Currant Tomato tomato Plant Out May 22 Jul 31 – Aug 10
Red Garnet Amaranth vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23 – Jul 28
Red Lake currant shrubs berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Red Leaf Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 19
Red Orach lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9
Red Romaine Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 3
Red Russian Kale lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 4 – Jul 14
Red Vein Sorrel lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Perennial — see plant page
Red Velvet Leaf Basil herb Transplant May 29 Aug 2 – Aug 17
Red-Stem Malabar Spinach lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Aug 3
Rhubarb vegetable Plant Out May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Roma II Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 21 – Jul 27
Romaine Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 29 – Aug 8
Romano Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 5
Round de Nice Zucchini Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 29 Jul 20
Royal Burgundy Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23
Royal Carpet Alyssum Flowers flower Direct Sow May 15 Jun 29 – Jul 14
Ruby Red Swiss Chard lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 24
Russell Mix Lupine Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Salad Bowl Green Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 13 – Jul 14
Salad Burnet herb Direct Sow May 15 Perennial — see plant page
Salad Bush Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 25 – Jul 26
Savoy Perfection Cabbage brassica Transplant May 8 Aug 6 – Aug 11
Scarlet Flax Flowers flower Direct Sow May 8 Jul 2 – Jul 17
Shallot allium Plant Out May 1 Jul 30 – Aug 29
Shasta Daisy Flowers flower Transplant May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Shelling Pea legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23 – Aug 7
Showy Pink Ladies Evening Primrose Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Shungiku (Edible Chrysanthemum) lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 4 – Jul 19
Signet marigold edible flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 21 – Jul 26
Single Mix China Aster Flowers flower Transplant May 29 Aug 7 – Aug 17
Slenderette Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 21 – Jul 25
Slow-Bolt (Slo-Bolt) Cilantro/Coriander herb Direct Sow May 22 Jun 19 – Jul 1
Snow Pea legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 20 – Aug 7
Snowball Self-Blanche Cauliflower brassica Transplant May 8 Jul 12
Soapwort flower Transplant May 29 Perennial — see plant page
Southport Red Globe Onions allium Transplant May 22 Sep 19
Southport White Globe Onions allium Transplant May 22 Sep 19
Spacemaster Bush Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Spanish Sweet White Onions allium Transplant May 22 Sep 9 – Sep 19
Sparkle Strawberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Sparkler Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jun 23 – Jun 28
Sparky Mix Marigolds flower Transplant May 22 Jul 16 – Jul 31
Spearmint herb Plant Out May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen Plant Out May 22 May 30 – Jun 5
Straight Eight Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Sugar Ann Snap Pea legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23
Sugar Snap Pea legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23 – Aug 7
Summer Bibb Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 24
Summer Carnival Mix Hollyhock Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Sep 19 – Nov 18
Summer Savory herb Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23 – Aug 2
Sunspot Sunflowers flower Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23 – Aug 7
Suyo Long Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 2
Sweet Marjoram herb Transplant May 29 Aug 12 – Aug 27
Sweet Success Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 22 – Jul 26
Sweet Woodruff herb Transplant May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Swiss Chard lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 24
Tall Trailing Mix Nasturtium Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 16 – Jul 31
Tango Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 10
Tasty Jade Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 22
Tatsoi lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jun 19 – Jul 9
Tavera Filet Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 22
Taylor Dwarf Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 2 – Aug 5
Tendergreen Burpless Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Aug 2
Tendergreen Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 18 – Jul 23
Tendergreen Mustard lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 4 – Jul 14
Texas Bluebonnet Lupine Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Aug 5 – Aug 25
Thorogreen Bush Lima Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 2 – Aug 12
Tiger Eye Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 17 – Aug 27
Tom Thumb Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Aug 3
Tongue of Fire Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Sep 1
Top Crop Bush Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 18 – Jul 23
Top Hat Blueberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Toro Blueberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Tri Color Amaranth (Joseph's Coat) vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jun 28 – Jul 13
Triple Crown Blackberry berry Plant Out May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Tristar Strawberry berry Plant Out May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Trucker's Favorite Corn vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Aug 12 – Aug 22
Très Fine Maraîchère Frisée lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24
Tuscany Black Kale lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 8
Vates Collard lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 24 – Aug 8
Vates Kale lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 14 – Jul 19
Verde Tomatillos vegetable Transplant May 29 Aug 12 – Aug 22
Vermont Cranberry Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 2 – Sep 1
Verona Red Chicory lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Aug 18 – Aug 25
Victoria Rhubarb vegetable Transplant May 8 Perennial — see plant page
Vienna Purple Kohlrabi brassica Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19 – Jul 29
Vienna White Kohlrabi brassica Direct Sow May 25 Jul 19
Vietnamese Coriander herb Plant Out May 29 Perennial — see plant page
Viola and pansy edible flowers flower Transplant May 8 Jul 7 – Jul 17
Violetta Purple Cauliflower brassica Transplant May 8 Jul 12
Wando Pea legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 31 – Aug 5
Watermelon Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jul 18 – Aug 2
Wautoma Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28
Wee Be Little Pumpkin squash Direct Sow May 29 Aug 22
West Indian Burr Gherkin Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23 – Aug 2
Whirlybird Nasturtium Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 11 – Jul 21
White Boston Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 4 – Jul 14
White clover living mulch cover crop Direct Sow May 22 Perennial — see plant page
White Emergo Runner Pole Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Aug 12 – Aug 17
White Icicle Radishes root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Jun 28
White Marrow Summer Squash squash Direct Sow May 29 Aug 22
White Wonder Cucumber cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23 – Jul 28
Winner Kohlrabi brassica Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 14
Winter Density Lettuce lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 18 – Jul 24
Winter Giant Spinach lettuce Direct Sow May 25 Jul 9 – Jul 14
Winter rye cover crop stands cover crop Direct Sow May 22 Nov 18 – Dec 28
Wisconsin SMR 58 Cucumbers cucumber Direct Sow May 29 Jul 23 – Jul 26
Wormwood herb Transplant May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Yard Long Bean legume Direct Sow May 29 Jul 28 – Aug 27
Yarrow flower Plant Out May 22 Perennial — see plant page
Yellow Sulphur Cosmos Flowers flower Direct Sow May 22 Jul 16 – Jul 31
Yukon Gold Potato root vegetable Direct Sow May 29 Aug 7 – Aug 27

Harvest in May

Plant Type Planted / Sown Harvest Window
Black Oil Sunflower Microgreens microgreen May 22 May 29 – Jun 3
Speckled Pea Shoot Microgreens microgreen May 22 May 30 – Jun 5

Key Tasks for May in Zone 3A

  1. 1 Start 18 varieties indoors this month under grow lights or in a sunny south-facing window. Use a seed-starting mix and bottom heat (70–75°F) for best germination rates.
  2. 2 Harden off transplants before moving outdoors — set them outside in a sheltered spot for increasing hours over 7–10 days before planting in the ground.
  3. 3 Direct sow seeds at the recommended depth and spacing. Keep the seedbed consistently moist until germination is complete.
  4. 4 Check soil moisture before watering — stick a finger 2 inches into the soil. Water only when the soil is dry at that depth. Consistent moisture is more important than frequency.
Back to full Zone 3A planting calendar
April May in Zone 3A June

Get a Personalized May Calendar

SoilStack builds your exact planting schedule from your ZIP code — day-by-day tasks, weather prompts, and harvest tracking included.

Start Your Free Garden Calendar